SuperTalent PicoDrive Gold

Flash and Dazzle

SuperTalent is a company that is all about memory. From USB Flash and SSD drives, to laptop, desktop, and server RAM, if there's solid state memory involved in it, SuperTalent probably has a product to fill the niche. Today we'll be looking at the Pico-C Gold 8 GB USB Flash drive, a close relation to the Pico-A reviewed previously. Can this pint-size drive put out numbers to keep up with the big boys? Let's find out.

Packaging and First Looks

In a refreshing change from the norm, SuperTalent decided to use a black-and-gold cardboard box to house the product. The usual practice of entombing the product in vacuum-sealed plastic, while quick and cheap from a manufacturer's standpoint, makes getting at your purchased hardware into a tortured ritual. SuperTalent's decision to forego this nonsense is much appreciated.

Box Front

Box Back

Front Flap Open

Ornamentation on the packaging is minimal; SuperTalent wisely chose to let the drive showcase itself. Opening the box, we are presented with the drive itself, as well as a keychain/lanyard loop that clips on to the back end of the drive. Such accessories are usually of dubious use, but with a drive this small, having a way to hang onto it is essential. In fact, losing the drive is a real danger, as it is a scant 31.3mm in its longest dimension—barely more than the width of a quarter!

Box Contents

Hard to photograph!

A better angle

One thing that becomes immediately apparent is that this drive is no faker. Yes, that is real gold plating on the drive housing. As a result, this drive is very shiny. So shiny, in fact, that I had difficulty photographing it. All of the external surfaces are polished to a mirror finish, making this a very eye-catching little device.